First same-sex couple in line in Cook County to obtain marriage license

CHICAGO — The first same-sex couple is in line in Cook County to get a license.

Charlie Gurion proposed to David Wilk when the couple was in Paris in August. The 25-year-old Gurion of Palatine says it’s shocking to be first in line. He says they’re honored to “be part of this huge, momentous day.”

Clerk David Orr said he would start offering the licenses Friday afternoon after a federal judge’s ruling. U.S. District Judge Sharon Johnson Coleman ruled gay couples in the Chicago area don’t have to wait until June to marry. That’s when state law is set to take effect.

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Orr says he’ll keep the downtown Chicago Bureau of Vital Records open an extra two hours on Friday evening — until 7 p.m. He says he’s doing that to accommodate any couples who want to get marriage licenses after work. Only the downtown Chicago will issue same-sex licenses on Friday.

All other Cook County offices will offer licenses on Monday.

Wilk is 31-years-old and from Chicago. Wilk says he appreciates everybody’s support. The couple plans a September wedding, but they’ll legally marry within 60 days per state law.